Norwalk Virus Shedding after Experimental Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Atmar Robert L., Opekun Antone R., Gilger Mark A., Estes Mary K., Crawford Sue E., Neill Frederick H., Graham David Y.
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
To determine the magnitude and duration of virus shedding in feces after experimental infection with Norwalk virus.
Conclusion
Noroviruses can be shed in feces for a median of 28 days after infection, with some shedding lasting up to 8 weeks.
Supporting Evidence
- Clinical gastroenteritis developed in 11 out of 16 participants.
- Virus shedding was first detected 18 hours after inoculation.
- The median peak amount of virus shedding was 95 × 10^9 genomic copies/g feces.
- Virus shedding lasted a median of 28 days after inoculation.
- Presymptomatic shedding was more common in participants who did not meet the definition of clinical gastroenteritis.
Takeaway
When people get infected with Norwalk virus, they can still spread the virus in their poop for a long time, even after they feel better.
Methodology
Participants were experimentally infected with Norwalk virus, and their fecal samples were collected and analyzed for virus shedding over several weeks.
Potential Biases
Participants were selected based on strict health criteria, which may limit generalizability.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on healthy adults aged 18-50.
Participant Demographics
Healthy adults aged 18-50, secretor positive.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.08
Statistical Significance
p = 0.11
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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